In 1995, California implemented a new law calling upon private, non-profit hospitals to report on the community benefits they provide. The premise of the legislation was that non-profit hospitals assume a social obligation to provide community benefits in the public interest in exchange for their favorable tax treatment by government. A unique feature of this legislation was its requirement for a community planning process. Hospitals must conduct an assessment of health needs within their respective communities and, in consultation with the community, establish priorities and develop strategies to meet the identified needs as the basis for their benefit plans. The California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development was given responsibility for implementing the legislation and for collecting and evaluating the community benefits reports. Analysis of the reports from over 200 hospitals reveals the extent to which the hospitals’ community benefit reporting involved a process of community needs assessment, prioritization, and collaborative planning. While the initial results varied considerably from hospital to hospital, as might be expected for an initial cycle, in overall impact, the legislation was a remarkable stimulus to local and regional health planning. Strengthening and refinement of community benefits reporting, in subsequent years, can provide an effective and enduring mechanism for local health planning. Health departments and legislative bodies in other states may have interest in exploring similar approaches to community benefit planning and reporting.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: (1) describe California’s recent laws requiring non-profit hospitals to report on their community benefit contributions and (2) assess how this requirement has stimulated local community health planning and may be applied in other states
Keywords: Community Planning, Hospitals
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.